“The only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa – for he has so much to look forward to.”
Richard Mullin.
Africa is at once one of the most desired and one of the more difficult locations to visit. Many are drawn to this land of wilderness, exotic animals, and undeveloped land, but an unstable political climate in the region can make travel challenging at times. For those who look past the challenges and venture to Africa, the reward is a travel experience unlike any other in the world. We have compiled the best of luxury travel in Africa so that you may plan the voyage of a lifetime.
Gibb’s Farm
Travel + Leisure chose Gibb’s farm as their top pick for the best safari lodge in Africa. Part of the appeal, their readers claim, is that Gibb’s Farm, located in the Ngorongoro Crater area of Tanzania, does not fit the typical mold for a safari lodge. The original 1929 farmhouse is surrounded by vast farmland and the location offers guests a variety of unique opportunities. Visitors can experience cultural immersion in the nearby village, enjoy exotic nature walks on the property, or also partake in traditional drives to see the variety of animals in the wild.
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Located in South Africa, Tswalu Kalahari is the nation’s largest private game reserve. This exquisite resort protects more than 110,000 hectares of vast terrain, including grasslands and mountain areas. Their priority is preservation, and the aim to maintain the natural qualities of the preserve by limiting the number of guests who visit the area. In fact, there are no more than 30 guests at a time. This helps maintain the integrity of their wilderness conservation and research work. Guests to this exclusive reserve are given the opportunity to explore the beauty of the arid savannah and the diverse wildlife in as natural a state as possible.
Zarafa Camp
Overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Zibadianja Lagoon, Zarafa Camp is in the private Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana. This intimate, four room tented camp offers magnificent views of the surrounding area. The nearby lagoon offers spectacular sightings of local wildlife, including elephants by the hundreds. Zarafa may be the “greenest” luxury safari camp in Africa, due to their ecologically sound use of materials. The construction uses only recycled hardwoods and canvas. Also, all of the camp’s electricity comes from its solar farm.
Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp
Travel under a canopy of massive ebony trees in Botswana and discover the hidden gem that is Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp. Even though the camp is in dense forest thickets, it also opens up to enchanting views of the lagoons and channels of the Delta. Nine tented suites offer visitors a luxurious experience in a remote setting. The resort offers day and night safaris, bush walks, mokoro (dugout canoe) and motorboat cruises.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
This elegant baroque chateau, complete with brocade sofas, gilded mirrors, and beaded chandeliers, takes visitors back to a different era of luxury travel. Located on the rim of the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, the luxe lodge offers incomparable views of the surrounding area. Visitors can delight in seasonal sightings of flamingo in the lake, rich wildlife on the crater floor, and visit the nearby Maasai to learn about their culture. Often called “the game lodge at the top of the world”, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offers a uniquely delightful experience to luxury adventure travelers.
So are you ready to venture to Africa yet? To learn more about this exciting destination, visit our list of natural wonders to see in your lifetime.
